No one has to compromise on a trip to California.
Exhibit A: I took my two kids to the Golden State with sunshine, dining and a bit of sightseeing and culture on my mind.
My kids wanted San Francisco and Disneyland thrills.
Result: A four-day two destination split that everyone raved about.
Let’s start in San Fran, usually known for the European-like flair, romance and food that adults go ga-ga over.
But we soon discover the city by the bay brims with the kind of adrenalin kicks the kids (and their dad) are after.
There’s simply hanging off the side of the icon cable cars that clack-clack up and down Powell Street; getting soaked on the Rocket Boat; burning a little energy off at trampoline complex House of Air; and, of course, getting our picture taken with the famous Golden Gate Bridge in the background.
Staying at the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel right in the epicentre of downtown on Union Square gave us easy assess to the cable cars that roll by every few minutes.
No matter your age, it’s a blast hanging off the cable car with only your feet on the step and your grip on the pole between you and San Fran’s hilly pavement. No waiver required.
The Rocket Boat leaves from Fisherman’s Wharf, aka Pier 39, a must-see tourist trap for its concentration of shops, restaurants and attractions.
The 70-foot-long 100-passenger 2,800 horsepower Rocket Boat races into San Francisco Bay to do 360s under the city’s second most famous bridge – Bay.
Of course, we sat in the back where it’s guaranteed you’ll get soaked.
Geeky plastic ponchos provided.
Also at Pier 39 is Fog Harbor Fish House where we find that even an eatery in a tourist trap can be good and reasonably priced.
Go upstairs for the view and order the rare-seared ahi tuna with mashed potatoes and summer vegetables with a glass of Robledo Lake County California sauvignon blanc.
Disneyland in Anaheim is a kids classic that is more-and-more catering to adults.
Sure, me and the kids were proud of our roller coaster jag that included a well-planned itinerary to ride all the Disney biggies from California Screamin’, Splash Mountain and Big Thunder to Tower of Terror, Space Mountain and Indiana Jones.
But at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel where we stayed we also dined in one of the state’s finest restaurants – Napa Rose – where the dishes are seasonal and locally sourced and paired with California wines.
Swordfish with a glass of Wild Horse Central Coast viognier anyone?
The hotel also has a wicked pool and waterslide complex and a spa.
Disneyland.ca and SanFrancisco.Travel.